Historical Events tagged with "robbery"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Crime & Law

Massive Burglary at London's Hatton Garden

April 2nd, 2015 9 years ago

In April 2015, four men executed a meticulously planned burglary at an underground safe deposit facility in London's Hatton Garden. Over the Easter weekend, they drilled into the wall of the vault, gaining access to valuables worth up to £200 million. The audacious theft, which took place during the quiet holiday, shocked the community and highlighted vulnerabilities in security systems at such facilities, raising questions about safety protocols surrounding precious items. The gang, comprised of older men, was dubbed the ‘Bad Grandpas’ by the media, capturing public intrigue with their unconventional approach to crime.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Massive Diamond Heist at Brussels Airport

February 18th, 2013 12 years ago

Armed robbers conducted a bold heist at Brussels Airport, stealing a haul of diamonds worth approximately $50 million. Armed with weapons, they overwhelmed security, executing their plan swiftly. The diamonds were part of a shipment en route to Antwerp, a major hub for the diamond trade. The operation lasted only a few minutes, and despite the scale of the theft, the criminals managed to escape before the authorities could respond.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

UK's Largest Heist: Securitas Depot Robbery

February 22nd, 2006 19 years ago

Almost £53 million was stolen from a Securitas depot in Tonbridge, Kent, making it the largest cash robbery in British history. The heist was meticulously planned and involved a gang that took control of the depot, holding staff hostage while transferring cash into vehicles. The significant sum was meant for secure transport to the Bank of England, highlighting vulnerabilities in security operations. The incident raised concerns about cash handling procedures across the country.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Brutal Murder at McDonald's in Nova Scotia

May 7th, 1992 32 years ago

Three employees were murdered and a fourth was disabled during a robbery at a McDonald's in Sydney, Nova Scotia. The attack was initiated by two armed men, signaling a violent turn in fast-food crimes across Canada. The incident shocked the community and raised concerns over workplace safety in fast-food chains.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Heathrow's Brink's-Mat Gold Heist

November 26th, 1983 41 years ago

In a dramatic theft, an armed gang infiltrated the Brink's-Mat vault at Heathrow Airport, making off with 6,800 gold bars valued at almost £26 million. This audacious robbery took place amid the backdrop of the early 1980s, a decade marked by various criminal enterprises and increased security concerns. The gang's meticulous planning allowed them to overpower the security measures in place. As law enforcement engaged in a lengthy investigation, the missing gold began to recirculate, significantly impacting the gold market and igniting public interest in organized crime.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Los Macheteros Rob Wells Fargo Depot

September 12th, 1983 41 years ago

A group known as Los Macheteros orchestrated a bold robbery at a Wells Fargo depot in West Hartford, Connecticut, resulting in the theft of approximately $7 million. The operation involved carefully planned tactics that allowed the armed group to execute the heist efficiently. The incident drew significant media attention and raised concerns about security at financial institutions, highlighting vulnerabilities in bank operations.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Massive Lufthansa Heist in New York City

December 11th, 1978 46 years ago

A group led by Jimmy Burke executed a heist at the Lufthansa cargo building in New York's JFK Airport, stealing approximately $5 million in cash and nearly $875,000 in jewelry, making it the largest cash robbery at the time. The operation was meticulously planned, involving inside information about the cargo scheduled for shipment and the precise timing of the theft. The robbery was executed without any shots fired and involved multiple accomplices who helped carry out the escape plan.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Spaghetti House Siege in London

September 28th, 1975 49 years ago

Nine people were taken hostage at the Spaghetti House in London by armed robbers. This incident involved a group of thieves who entered the restaurant demanding money and holding staff and customers at gunpoint. The siege lasted for several hours, attracting police attention and leading to negotiations for the hostages' release. Ultimately, the police managed to resolve the situation without any fatalities.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Norrmalmstorg robbery and hostage crisis

August 28th, 1973 51 years ago

In Stockholm, two criminals, Jan-Erik Olsson and Clark Olofsson, took hostages in a bank robbery, leading to a tense 6-day standoff with police. The hostages were threatened but found themselves oddly sympathetic towards their captors. This peculiar behavior paved the way for the concept known as Stockholm syndrome, highlighting the psychological complexity of hostage situations.

Continue Reading